funeral director, past president and CEO, Bonney Watson Inc., and past president, Washington State Funeral Directors Association, died November 14, 2025, at age 63.

Smock first worked at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington. He then joined Bonney Watson, where he served for 36 years. Throughout his career, Smock held leadership roles on several boards, including those for the Rotary Club; Seattle Executives Association; Washington Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association; and Washington State Funeral Directors Association. He also served as a board member and past chair for the Washington State Funeral and Cemetery Licensing Board.

Smock is survived by wife Shannon; children Geoff, Alex and Kirsten; stepchildren Kate Van Tighem and Matt Hisken; and four grandchildren.

funeral director, Solimine Funeral Homes, Lynn, Massachusetts, died October 25, 2025, at age 77.

Sullivan was a graduate of the New England Institute. He also attended Boston State College and community college in New York. Sullivan worked for Landergan Funeral Home in Lynn, Massachusetts, and J.S. Waterman & Sons in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sullivan was an Army veteran and served in the Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972. He was also a Department of the Army civilian in the 1960s and ’70s. He was a member of Swampscott Post 57 American Legion and a past president of Wyoma Lions Club.

Sullivan is survived by wife Barbara, son Sam, stepson Brian Paone and eight grandchildren.

funeral director and president, Voie Funeral Home, Iola, Wisconsin, died November 27, 2025, at age 71.

Peskie graduated from the Milwaukee Area Technical College Funeral Service Program and worked as a funeral director in the Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Amherst, and Waupaca, Wisconsin, areas. He retired from Voie Funeral Home.

He is survived by wife Kathy; children from a prior marriage: Katie Hauke, Josh Peskie, Mark Peskie and Ashley Peskie; additional children: Ben Steines, Emily Maze and Sam Steines; and eight grandchildren.

funeral director, Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun, Kentucky, died December 3, 2025, at age 78.

For his degree in funeral service, he attended Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. Muster was a fifth-generation funeral director at his family’s funeral home. Following in his father’s footsteps, he also served as president of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky. Muster was deputy coroner under his father and, later, was county coroner. He dedicated more than 55 years of service in this capacity. He also served as a licensed EMT in McLean County.

Muster and his brother founded Muster Associates, a professional vehicle sales company specializing in ambulances and funeral vehicles.

He attended Calhoun Baptist Church and was a member of Vienna Lodge F. & A.M.

Muster is survived by wife Susan, sons John V and Lee, and grandchildren John W. “JW” Muster VI and Madeline.

funeral director, Conte Funeral Home, North Andover, Massachusetts, died October 15, 2025, at age 59.

Conte graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He went on to own Conte Funeral Home, which has locations in North Andover, Andover, Georgetown, and Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was a member of St. Michael Parish.

He is survived by wife Lisa Burke; children Sam, Anthony, Graceann and Scott; and stepchildren Shannon Everard and Michael Burke.

funeral director, partner and vice president, Gutterman’s Family Funeral Homes, Woodbury, New York, died November 10, 2025.                                  

Kanowitz was a mentor, confidant and friend. For nearly 40 years, he played a pivotal role in the growth and success of his company. His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to excellence helped shape the values that define Gutterman’s today. He was widely respected in the communities where Gutterman’s operates in New York and Florida.

Kanowitz is survived by family members Bonnie, Richard, Melissa and Todd.

funeral director and owner, Faulhaber Funeral Home, Broadview Heights, Ohio, and father of funeral director Robin Faulhaber-Ferrara, died November 11, 2025, at age 85.

Faulhaber attended Miami University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. During his 65 years as a funeral director and embalmer, he assisted families and supported fellow funeral directors and apprentices with his professional services.

Faulhaber served as captain of the Seven Hills Fire Department. He was active in the Rotary Club and Jaycees, among other organizations. The official historian of Broadview Heights since 2019, Faulhaber was instrumental in remodeling and opening the Historical Museum. 

Faulhaber is survived by children Donald III, Tracy, Robin and Brian; stepchildren Jim Detelich, Tom Detelich, John Detelich and Kathleen Kossman; 18 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

funeral director and president emeritus, Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Farmington, Missouri, died November 11, 2025, at age 87.

Cozean served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His fascination with communications led him to study journalism at the University of Missouri. He later earned a master’s degree from George Washington University and a doctorate in international relations from American University. He worked for the Washington, D.C., bureau of The New York Times, which he called a favorite chapter of his life. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Under his leadership, Cozean Memorial Chapel earned 23 consecutive NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards and achieved Hall of Excellence status.

Cozean is survived by sisters Nancy and Jody, extended family, and the staff of Cozean Memorial Chapel.

funeral director, Michigan Funeral Directors Association past president, father of funeral director Shelly Brown-Chudzinski, and owner, David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville, Michigan, died October 27, 2025, at age 78.

Brown graduated from Worsham College and returned to work in Belleville. He opened his own business in 1982. He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Development Authority; Cemetery Committee; Cozadd Foundation; Myrtle, Moose and Eagles lodges; and Michigan United Conservation, Tri-County Sportsmen’s, Huron Valley Conservation and Rotary clubs. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Belleville.

Brown is survived by wife Martha, daughters Amy and Shelly, and three grandsons.

recently retired funeral director, Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, Royal Oak, Michigan, died September 16, 2025, at age 102.

McLaughlin served in the U.S. Army during World War II and, upon returning, began his 75-plus-year tenure in the funeral service profession.

He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in mortuary science. He worked for FB Hunter before joining Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, where he continued his lifelong career. He even returned to work full time just weeks after “retiring” in 1988. Believed to be the oldest active funeral director in the country, he worked tirelessly through his 100th year.

McLaughlin attended the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, and was a member of the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, and Elks.

McLaughlin is survived by children Janice, Gayle, Barbara and Richard Jr.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.